The Future of Wearable AI: Rumors and Realities from Meta and OpenAI
The tech world is buzzing with the idea of “ambient computing”—a future where AI is seamlessly integrated into our lives through always-on wearable devices. This month, we got a clearer picture of what that future might look like, with major announcements from Meta and intriguing rumors about OpenAI’s hardware ambitions.
Meta’s Bet on Smart Glasses
At its Connect 2025 event, Meta doubled down on its commitment to smart glasses, unveiling the second generation of its Ray-Ban Meta glasses and a new partnership with Oakley for the “Vanguard” line. The strategy is clear: normalize wearable technology by embedding it in familiar, fashionable form factors.
The new Ray-Bans boast impressive upgrades, including up to 8 hours of battery life and 3K video recording. But the real story is the software. Features like “Conversation Focus” for calls and the promise of “Live AI” for real-time environmental analysis show a clear path toward a device that’s more than just a camera on your face. It’s an AI assistant with eyes and ears.
The introduction of the Oakley Meta Vanguard, aimed at athletes, further signals Meta’s intention to create a whole ecosystem of specialized wearables. However, the glitchy live demo of the AI features served as a humbling reminder that the hardware is still ahead of the software.
OpenAI’s Hardware Pivot: A Necessary Move?
While Meta is building in public, OpenAI is reportedly making moves behind the scenes. Rumors suggest the company, in partnership with legendary designer Jony Ive, is exploring a whole line of AI-native hardware, including smart glasses, speakers, and wearable pins.
This feels like a necessary strategic pivot. For an AI to be truly “contextual,” it needs access to real-world data from sensors like cameras and microphones. Companies that control the hardware, like Meta, Apple, and Google, have a significant advantage. An AI that lives only in the cloud is an AI that’s always one step removed from reality.
If these rumors are true, it signals that OpenAI understands it cannot afford to be just a software company. To compete in the age of ambient computing, it needs to control the entire experience, from the model to the device.
The race is on. Both Meta and OpenAI are chasing the same dream: a world where AI is a constant, helpful presence. The approaches are different—one public and iterative, the other secretive and ambitious—but the goal is the same. The next great computing platform might not be in your pocket, but on your face.
Source: Based on reporting from Future - Forem and Yanko Design.
